Rep. Vargas’ Statement on Naming of Future Naval Destroyer USS Telesforo Trinidad
Rep. Vargas’ Statement on Announcement on Naming of Future Naval Destroyer USS Telesforo Trinidad
WASHINGTON, D.C (May 19, 2022) — Congressmember Vargas released the following statement today after the Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, announced a future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer will be named after Fireman 2nd Class Telesforo De La Cruz Trinidad, the first and only Filipino in the U.S. Navy to be awarded the Medal of Honor:
“During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we honor and celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander Americans’ contributions to our nation,” said Rep. Vargas. “What better way to honor these contributions to our county than to name a battleship after Petty Officer Trinidad, who bravely risked his life for fellow crewmembers and honorably served our country. I was honored to join my colleagues and lead a letter to urge the U.S. Navy to name a ship after Trinidad and reaffirm our nation’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. I thank Secretary Del Toro for recognizing Petty Officer Trinidad and look forward to stepping aboard the future USS Telesforo Trinidad.”
For more information on Fireman 2nd Class Telesforo Trinidad, click here.
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Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire U.S.-Mexico border. Vargas was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is currently serving his fifth term in Congress. He serves on the House Financial Services Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee.